POST OFFICE CONTRACTS FOR BUILDING OF 3000 ARMORED CARS TO COMBAT MAIL ROBBERY
New York City (JFK+50) On August 17, 1924, The Sunday Star reports that the United States Post Office "has contracted for the building of 3000 specially designed cars, armored...as to defeat attacks by armed desperadoes."
The Post Office is responding to the railway holdup of June 12, 1924 in which $2,o75,000 in money and bonds was stolen. This mail robbery took place in Randoul, Illinois.
Annual losses due to mail robbery have been as high as $6 million.
JFK+50 NOTE
According to Section 2114 of Title 18, assault with intent to rob any person having lawful charge, control or custody of any mail is prohibited.
SOURCES
"Archives, U.S. Department of Justice," 1466. Robbery Or Theft Of Mail Or Property Of The U.S.-18, U.S.C. 2114
"U.S. Contracts for 3,000 Armored Cars Designed to Repulse Mail Bandits," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., August 17, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
